There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family.

There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family. From doing activities together to creating a space just for her, these are some easy ways you can strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend.

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.

Our dogs can make every day feel like a holiday, given their playfulness, puppy-at-heart good natures, and satisfaction with just being by our side. And if you typically go everywhere with your dog, it's no wonder you want to bring your best pal with you on holiday visits.

Charlotte Reed, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners for Pets and Their People, points out that not all dogs -- or destinations -- make such visits possible. Some people love dogs but don't want them as visitors. Other friends and family members may suffer from pet allergies. And the reality may be that even though you love and understand your dog, your pet could be aggressive around others, not be properly housebroken, bark when lonely, or be a destructive chewer.

But assuming that your hosts are receptive to dogs and that your pet is well-behaved, Reed advises that you:

Do your homework. Investigate nearby kennels and pet sitters close to your host's home, just in case things don't work out as you planned and you need a plan B.

Talk with your host ahead of time about your dog. Address any potential problems, such as issues involving your host's children and pets, furniture concerns, dog bathroom issues and more.

Come well-prepared. Items to bring include food, your dog's crate or puppy gate, toys, bowls, a plastic place mat, a sheet or blanket, an odor eliminator and a stain-removal product.

Make your dog feel at home. Transition your pet to the new environment by unpacking and organizing the items you brought and creating a safe haven for your dog. Introduce your pet to any other animals in the household as soon as possible, closely monitoring their interactions.

Stick to a regular schedule. Pets find comfort in routine and still need your attention. Although you will be busy, balance your activities so that you are doing what you would normally do together at home. You might have to adjust feeding and walking times, but with a little extra work and planning, both you and your dog should be able to enjoy a fun visit.

With the holiday shopping season just getting started, don’t add pressure by wondering about what to buy, we have you covered this year! Lifestyle Expert Justine Santaniello partnered with some of her favorite brands to showcase her top gift ideas for the whole family to help get you started this holiday!

With the holiday shopping season just getting started, don’t add pressure by wondering about what to buy, we have you covered this year! Lifestyle Expert Justine Santaniello partnered with some of her favorite brands to showcase her top gift ideas for the whole family to help get you started this holiday!

Plan ahead for these costs so the holidays do not drive you into debt.

Plan ahead for these costs so the holidays do not drive you into debt.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.